1998 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

I recently purchased a 2001 intrepid with 54,000 miles. The 2.7 engine seems to run very well. I can only assume that the 54k in just 20 months of used should be mainly highway miles. I also believe sludge is partly an oil problem and could relate to the engine design. Is this true? I'm I correct in assuming that sludge will build up at a greater rate if cars are mainly city dwellers and not benefiting from cleaner running from highway use? How many owners of this engine have 150k+ out there? I paid extra for a bumper to bumper warranty from AAA, 4years/100k miles which brings me to 154k.I had that thought happily in my mind as I read all your sobbing comments. I really like the car. _ Brian.

I have a 98' Dodge Intrepid. I purchase the used car in July of 01. From day one of having this car the motor in all 4 windows went out one after the other. The a/c only works at the highest level, excessive trembling in the steering wheel, dry rod in tire, cooling fan had gone out oil pressure problems, engine went dead. Thank God for extended warranty!

The people at the dealership that I'd taken my car to stated to me, "We see where you kept the car in good maintenance and it was not your fault." Rita.Williams@med.va.gov

My future wife and I own a 1998 Dodge Stratus. It was going through oil like mad. When put on the rack, I and my mechanic thought it was a valve cover leak. Upon changing the valve cover gasket (a very good design...BTW...that I thought SHOULDN'T leak...but was..) We both thought that would cure the problem. It did not. Very shortly after that... the motor began to RAP...HARD..?

It did not seem to be a rod... (I know what a rod sounds like). We took it to the dealer where it was bought. They went half on changing the head gasket. The rap IS still there. Total cost was 221.00$ to us and it still raps. The car is 4 years old and has 71,000 miles on it.

5 Years..1,000,000 miles?

???

This is the last Chrysler product we will buy. Secret Warranty?

Yea..right..

This thing is going to blow up shortly!!

Chevy dealer...here we come!!

Well, so far my 99 Intrepid's 2.7 engine is fine at 65,000 miles. I am currently changing the oil every 7500 miles using Mobil1 synthetic 10w30. I am now going to change it more often (every 3,000 miles) and probably go to Amsoil (8$ a quart) to keep the engine together longer. Thanks all for the info.

My 1998 Intrepid is experiencing what I believe to be some related problems others are having. The motor knocks, when it gets hot after being recently turned off it won't start again without major hesitation and the power steering is whining. It has 60,000 miles on it, perfect records of maintenance and a frustrated owner. Has anyone here experienced knocking of any sort before the engine died? Thanks, Scott@mindscape.ws Scott.

HI evryone. I own a 2000 intrepid as does a friend and my father in law owns a 1999. We all have the 2.7 and have had similar problems such as windows motors going out, flickering dash lights, moisture getting into the headlights

thermostat gasket leaks and now the day after NY inspection my oil pressure light has come on after the car warms up and it gets below 1500 RPM I changed the oil which didn't help at all. I don't know whats wrong, but I am only 20 and just got laid off so I guess I better figure it out quick, but it dosent sound good. all the cars have less than 80000miles and mine only has 68000

good luck to evryone

Sdeschamp@twcny.rr.com.

I took my 1998 Dodge Intrepid (with 53,000 miles) in for repairs - as the engine was making noise. I also needed the AC fixed, a power window and a power door lock.

When the DODGE DEALERSHIP called - and told me I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE - for $6,990.00 (with they CAME DOWN from $7700 -thanks!!) - I almost FELL OVER DEAD!!!

I still owed $4,500.00 on this CAR!!! (2 1/2 years more of payments!!!) PLUS... another $2,000.00 for the AIR, WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK!!! - and now I'm supposed to pour ANOTHER NINE GRAND INTO IT!?!?

PLUS - they wanted $200.00 in DIAGNOSTIC CHARGES!!! (WHAT?!? To diagnose a problem DODGE KNOWS DARN WELL is a DEFAULT in THEIR 2.7 liter ENGINE?!?!)

I TOO want in on this class action lawsuit!! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!! There's NO WAY an engine should blow at 53 THOUSAND MILES!! AND there's NO WAY this is a coincidence it's happening to EVERYONE with this engine!!!

Please include me in the class action lawsuit - or e-mail information to me on it at: Padola1@aol.com.

Good luck to everyone!!!

Pam.

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Liter engine that failed will I was driving it. It has 80000 miles on it, but absolutely no sludge. I the oil was changed every 3000-4000 miles and the miles are all freeway miles. My mechanic has stated that the rear piston and rod failed. The piston broke apart and damaged the cylinder, head and valves beyond reasonable repair. I am facing the fact that I need to buy a rebuilt engine for about $4000 and need it installed. I spoke to the Dodge dealer where I leased the vehicle and they told me that there was nothing they could do. I spoke to Chrysler's customer service and they told me it was past the warranty and they could do nothing. I am at a loss - I am still making lease payments and I need to replace the engine now.

If I have a right complain I do. I own two Daimler Chrysler Products. A 1993 Dodge Intrepid SE, I have had since 1995 with only 146000 miles and a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE, now with only 98,000 miles. Both vehicles well maintained. Those that have good luck with Daimler Chrysler products need to count your lucky stars. The Intrepid 3.5 liter has been through three radiators. I changed the drivers power seat out to a manual one, it quit working. One of the power windows has quit, heater control box goes on and off when it wants to. The timing belt change once, because of water pump leaks. O-rings fuel rail and control arm recalls done. The motor just shut off one day without warning and it ended up being the lifters stop pumping oil, costing me thousands to have fixed. Now the connecting rods are knocking.

Now for the Mini-Van the transmission likes to stick in second gear, needs either the input or output sensor changed or worse. Here is some more bad news, the van just quit running yesterday on my wife and will not crank, 3.3 liter engine. She had to have it towed home. The horn quit working, airbag light stays on. Just received the other day a recall on the O-rings fuel rails. Another on a clock switch, it seems the factory did not install them on straight. What is next to happen? Just a flat-out Chrysler buy back.

I think I am going back to GM or Ford or even better Imports. Because Chrysler using Mitsubishi Style motors in the Intrepids. I found this out through a reputable Chrysler mechanic. Even my Step-Dad vowed off Chrysler because of repeated transmission problems with his new Dodge Ram Truck. The dealership installed three new ones before he traded it off. The third one started messing up again.

Here is some links for you to check out or get you started especially for engine failures:

http://intrepid.clan-510.org/ and a web-ring for other related problems.

http://www.datatown.com/chrysler/ lots of links.

Also they have place to sign up for a possible class action on engine failures. I have no connection to the sites, but sure appreciated them. You took the time to post here. Why not signed up too? So help speak out and stop Diamler Chrysler's needless problems. I did!

06/06/03 2000 dodge intrepid

engine needs to be replaced. sludge?? I have had my oil changed 6 times. in december I took the car to the dealer for a noise in the engine and they told me nothing was wrong. 18993 at 22000 miles I had they oil change and there where no problems. 2 weeks later a loud noice was coming from the engine. back to the delarer. sorry you need a engine 4899.00. they told me if there was sludge in the engine in december they would not have found it because it is not something they would look for. hello what is the problems. is this a was for car dealer shop to make money. don't look for a problem wait for it to happen so we can make money. I know have a car that is paid in full does not run and sitting at the dealers until I can come up with 4899.00. I am turning this chase over to montgomery county complaint and I am hoping they will be able to help me or I will go another way. I don't feel that they cost should be up to me.

'98 Intrepid

I have had almost every problem mentioned.

* Power window motor failure

* Side window holding clip broken, window is unusable until the window itself is replaced.

* A/C blower runs on high only

* Speed sensor failed, causing transmission to stay in first gear.

* Trunk key tumbler seized.

* Engine burning oil

* Fuel pump failure $$$

* Front end bushings have all been replaced, rear ones are due.

* Power seat recliner does not work

* Rotors warped and then replaced

* Doors locked when the car was idling, locking the driver out

* Seal on headlight lens leaking, causing lens to fog up.

The car is now at the mechanics, it quit on the highway and left me stranded, it will not start.

Overall rating: Junk

I would like more information about the class-action suit.

Chatt@nbnet.nb.ca

Mark.

I too have a 2000 intrepid with a 2.7L engine in it. When it failed in February I took it to a dealer and they told me the timing chain slipped and I needed a new engine. I looked at it with my mechanic and it had all the same problems sludge, broken timing chain. I had it fixed and it broke down again a week later. Now I'm waiting for a new engine.

I owned a 1999 intrepid up until this afternoon. I purchased the car in 2000 with 22k miles on it. I figured the car would last me at least 140k miles before I had any major problems. I was very fortunate to trade the car in today with 75k miles before I had major engine problems. In the 3 years I owned the car I had the following problems: warped rotors, leaking hose clamps $200.00 sensor problems $200.00 Brakes and wheel bearings $850. Front suspension bars $100, stripped oil plug $400.00 at 60k, white smoke from the exhaust, burning oil between oil changes and my savior a massive oil leak from the oil pan gasket $400.00. Without this oil leak, I would never have know the problems associated with my "time bomb" Intrepid. If it was not for the oil leak, I would have never found all the issues related to the 2.7 engine problems on the web. The mechanic at the dealer ship asked me how long I was planning to keep the car, when I replied "another 3 years," he turned to his bench to show me the blown 2.7 liter motor and about 4 timing chains from the same motor. His suggestion was to dump it now because an engine for the car is $10k and it is only a matter of time before it blows. I will never buy another Chrysler as long as I live. I replaced it with a 2000 sable. I did not have the extra money to spend, but after evaluating the alternatives, I am satisfied with my choice. I am planning on warning every 1999 Intrepid owner I come across to beware and get rid of the "lemon" before its to late. Good luck on a speedy resolution to your problems.

I own a 1999 Intrepid and I just took in, recently because I was hearing a loud knocking noise coming from engine. I had 95k miles on it. I changed the oil every 8k miles and my engine still failed. The dealership told me that it was going to me anywhere between 6 to 7k to replace the engine. What's it to say the new engine won't break. I wish everyone the best in resolving your car issue.

I have a 98 Intrepid with 95k miles.. the engine knocks and both the main bearings and the Cam bearings are shot.. The best alternative I have found is a Jasper engine $4700 (not installed) and 3 year warranty... it's the only answer I have to fix the money pit..

I also have a problem with the rear drivers window motor..